Trending
Coastal science should not be ignored when you live on an island where all weather comes from the sea.
It is important to focus our attention on the subtle changes in the sea that impact conditions on land.
We watch the direction and intensity of the waves, monitor the tide cycles and observe the distant wind patterns on the sea, watching for signs of switching from the more predominant trade winds to Kona winds, for example.
We look to coastal science with great interest as it helps explain what Mother Nature is doing and why it is important to us.
Coastal science has a long history, and each step in its development has been vital as more is learned about the sea and its effects on our island. For the past 15 years, Maui has benefitted from coastal hazard specialists from UH Sea Grant who are focused on helping develop sound coastal policies centering around the rules of nature.
Often, Maui visitors are cautioned on arrival to keep an eye on the sea when near the surf zone. That is sage advice. That admonition works for those of us blessed with living on this beautiful island as well: Always keep an eye on the sea and realize that nature operates under different rules that can have a great impact on land.
Living on Maui gives coastal science new importance, and it is best to listen and learn from what nature has to say.
Bob and Lis Richardson
Kihei